June 2014, Almaty, Kazakhstan: Countries in the former Soviet Union share more than a common language. They also share a proneness to a range of natural disasters including earthquakes, floods and mudslides. Credit: OCHA/Z. Nurmukhambetova

10 June 2014, Almaty, Kazakhstan: Rescuers from six countries gathered for a four-day training on the intricacies of the OCHA-managed On-Site Operations Coordination Centre (OSCOCC). The training was organized by OCHA, Russia's EMERCOM and Republican Special Response Team of Belarus. Credit: OCHA/A. Issabayeva

June 2014, Almaty, Kazakhstan: OSOCC is designed to help affected countries to coordinate international relief efforts following a sudden-onset disaster. Credit : OCHA/A. Issabayeva

June 2014, Almaty, Kazakhstan: The first three days of the course are dedicated to theory, group work and practical exercises, with a field simulation exercise on day four. Credit: OCHA/A.Issabayeva

June 2014, Almaty,Kazakhstan: The course participants included staff members from the Ministries of Emergency Situations of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Credit: OCHA/Z. Nurmukhambetova

June 2014, Almaty, KazakhstanL Participants received training on a number of different tools and services, including satellite phones, GPS, GDACS and the virtual OSOCC - an online platform that mimics OSOCC's coordination role. Credit: OCHA/Z. Nurmukhambetova

June 2014, Almaty, Kazakhstan: On the final day of the training, course participants took part in a simulation exercise, testing their skills in the context of a mock major disaster. Credit: OCHA/A. Issabayeva

June 2014, Almaty, Kazakhstan: Representatives from UN agencies and the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement were brought in to play roles in the simulation, adding to its authenticity. Credit: OCHA/A. Issabayeva

June 2014, Almaty, Kazakhstan: By the end of the training, the participants had enough knowledge to establish and run an OSOCC in the wake of a major international emergency. Credit: OCHA/A. Issabayeva